The FBI and top cybersecurity firms are sounding the alarm as Scattered Spider, a notorious hacking group, targets the airline and transportation sectors.
In a statement shared Friday, the FBI confirmed it has “recently observed” cyberattacks resembling the tactics of Scattered Spider targeting airline networks. Cybersecurity experts from Google’s Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 also reported active threats from the group against aviation systems.
Scattered Spider, a loosely organized gang of mostly young, English-speaking hackers, is known for social engineering, phishing schemes, and even threats of violence to gain access to sensitive systems. Once inside, they often steal or extort data and have been known to deploy ransomware attacks on high-value targets.
The FBI warned that not only airlines, but also third-party IT vendors and contractors could be vulnerable, underscoring the risks throughout the entire airline ecosystem.
The warning comes after two major airlines were hit in June. Hawaiian Airlines disclosed a cyberattack last week, while WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, is still dealing with a breach that began on June 13 — reportedly tied to Scattered Spider.
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